Cottage Economy

How can you tell when your pig is fat enough? Why should you never buy mustard? What's wrong with eating potatoes? Which is better, beer or tea? And what type of straw makes the best bonnets? William Cobbett is the man to ask. Here is his book of practical advice to the rural labouring 'cottager' (first published as a part-work in 1821-22), the precursor in many ways to the handbooks on self-sufficiency that today entice so many city-dwellers.

A champion of the rural working class at a time of huge social and industrial change, a radical politician and a prolific writer, Cobbett is opinionated, passionate and enlightening, making 'Cottage Economy' a fascinating and entertaining window on daily life for the smallholders of his day, and still inspirational, almost 200 years later, to those who seek 'a good living' as the foundation of happiness. (Introduction by Philippa)

The figures referred to in the section on ice houses can be viewed here (5 hr 50 min)

Chapters

01 - No. 1: Introduction; Brewing Beer	41:53	Read by Philippa
02 - No. 2: Brewing Beer (continued)	40:23	Read by Philippa
03 - No. 3: Making Bread	40:42	Read by Philippa
04 - No. 4: Making Bread (continued); Brewing Beer; Keeping Cows	34:11	Read by Philippa
05 - No. 5: Keeping Cows (continued); Keeping Pigs	31:00	Read by Philippa
06 - No. 6: Keeping Pigs (continued); Salting Mutton and Beef	29:44	Read by Philippa
07 - No. 7, part 1: Bees; Geese; Ducks; Turkeys; Fowls; Pigeons	29:23	Read by Philippa
08 - No. 7, part 2: Rabbits; Goats and Ewes; Candles and Rushes; Mustard; Dress…	24:55	Read by Philippa
09 - No. 8, part 1: English Straw Plat; Postscript on Brewing	48:59	Read by Philippa
10 - No. 8, part 2: Ice Houses	14:45	Read by Philippa
11 - Addition: Mangel Wurzel; Cobbett's Corn	14:36	Read by Philippa

Reviews

Quirky!

(4 stars)

Phxjennifer

This book, written early in the 19th century, is full of useful information about rural living. He is passionate about teaching people how to be independent and able to provide for themselves. He's also pretty cranky about the predatory new mill owners in the north, the sleek and starveling Methodists who turn up at dinner time, and the new fad for 'educating' the working classes!

BEST NARRATOR, GREAT BOOK FOR SLEEP

(5 stars)

Robin

Absolute best narrator in any book I have listened to in non-fiction. ASMR quality, definitely good to fall asleep to...but the book is very interesting and engaging. I looked forward to each night when I put it on!

Thanks again and again...